, updated
Motorists are having their number plates scanned by ULEZ-style cameras 45 times every second, figures show.
Clean-driving schemes in the likes of London, Birmingham and Newcastle have all started monitoring motorists in a bid to thwart emissions and curb pollution.
But privacy campaigners are alarmed over the ever-growing surveillance networks, warning of the threat of ‘mission creep’ should the surveillance systems be abused by authorities.
Police already have access to some of the data captured by cameras patrolling low emissions areas, including London’s hated ULEZ.
ANPRs are linked directly to the DVLA database and allow local authorities to check the ownership and emissions data for cars entering their controlled zones.
If a vehicle is eligible for a charge and it hasn’t been paid, a penalty …